Bremer remarked: “Leipzig is perceived as a cultural and city break destination.

“We plan to build on this positive image by means of creative joint projects, in close collaboration with the German National Tourist Board, and through a proactive press and publicity campaign.

“We are therefore expecting further growth in 2019 as well.

“Our next goal will be to reach 3.5 million overnight stays.”

Among the notable events set to attract added visitors to Leipzig this year are the 30th anniversary of the revolution that led to the fall of the Berlin Wall, the Bauhaus 100 celebration and the 200th Birthday of the region’s famed composer Clara Schumann.